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Surgical Tech First Assistant Jobs in Austin, TX

Certified Surg Tech Specialty: First Assist Job Type: Permanent Minimum Guaranteed Hours: 36 JOB SUMMARY The Surgical Tech First Assistant works in a dual role as a Certified Surgical Technologist ...

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Surgical Tech First Assistant information

See Austin, TX salary details

$13

$27

$62

How much do surgical tech first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical tech first assistant in Austin, TX is $27.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.37 and $29.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a surgical tech first assistant?

A Surgical Tech First Assistant, also known as a Surgical First Assistant or Surgical Assistant, is a highly skilled professional who works closely with surgeons during surgical procedures. Their main responsibilities include helping to control bleeding, closing incisions, handling tissues, and providing other critical support to ensure the operation goes smoothly. They may also be involved in preoperative and postoperative care. Surgical Tech First Assistants must have advanced training beyond that of a standard surgical technologist, often including certification and hands-on clinical experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a surgical tech first assistant?

To thrive as a Surgical Tech First Assistant, you need a solid background in surgical procedures, anatomy, and sterile technique, typically supported by completion of an accredited surgical assisting program and certification (such as CSFA or CFA). Familiarity with surgical instruments, operating room protocols, and electronic documentation systems is essential. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies are vital to ensure patient safety, support surgeons efficiently, and maintain smooth surgical workflows.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by surgical tech first assistants in the operating room?

Surgical Tech First Assistants often encounter challenges such as adapting quickly to unexpected changes during procedures, maintaining sterile technique under pressure, and effectively anticipating the needs of the surgical team. They must also manage the demands of long surgeries and periods of standing, while ensuring clear communication with surgeons, nurses, and anesthesiologists. Successfully navigating these challenges requires strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a collaborative mindset to ensure patient safety and optimal surgical outcomes.

What is the difference between Surgical Tech First Assistant vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectSurgical Tech First AssistantSurgical Technologist
CredentialsCertified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA), additional trainingCertified Surgical Technologist (CST)
Work EnvironmentAssist surgeons directly during procedures, operating roomsPrepare operating rooms, sterilize equipment, assist in setup
Employer & IndustryHospitals, surgical centers, outpatient clinicsHospitals, outpatient surgical facilities, clinics

The Surgical Tech First Assistant works closely with surgeons during procedures, providing direct assistance, while Surgical Technologists prepare the operating room and support the surgical team. Both roles require certification, but the First Assistant has additional training to perform more advanced tasks during surgery.

What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Surgical Tech First Assistant jobs?

Cities near Austin, TX with the most Surgical Tech First Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Surgical Tech First Assistant job openings in Austin, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,620 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

Certified Surg Tech - First Assist

Netpace

Austin, TX • On-site

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Profession: Certified Surg Tech
Specialty: First Assist
Job Type: Permanent
Minimum Guaranteed Hours: 36
JOB SUMMARY
The Surgical Tech First Assistant works in a dual role as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) and a First Assistant. This position assists surgeons and surgical teams during major surgical services and complex surgical procedures. This position functions under the direction of a Registered Nurse when performing the role of CST, and works under the direction of a Surgeon when performing the role of First Assistant.
Jobs Notes:
Surgical Tech First Assistant
*** sign on bonus
Full Time
Days
Main OR
Lakeway
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE ROLE
Ensures appropriate supplies, equipment and instrumentation are available, opened and functioning properly for each procedre. Creates, corrects and updates surgeon preference cards to reflect equipment, radiology, supplies and specialty notes for current and future procedure. Pulls, opens and sets up cases. Coordinates with surgeons on specialty equipment and supply needs prior to procedure, and assists in constructing specialty instrument trays.
Prepares operating room according to surgical procedure schedules, and arranges sterile setups of instrument table supplies and equipment required for specific procedures. Wraps instruments in preparation for gas or steam sterilization. Performs quality control procedures on equipment and report any issues. Ensures cleanliness of the OR before and after surgery.
Scrubs for cases in major surgical services according to established procedures and standards requiring advanced knowledge of anatomy, surgical instruments, surgeons' preference and other technical knowledge.
Educates and prepares surgical teams according to procedure.
Assist with or performs the positioning, prepping and draping of the patient.
Assists the surgeon during surgical procedures, i.e. passes sterile supplies and equipment to surgeons and assistants, holds retractor devices, anticipates and responds to the surgical team needs, ties off vessels and tissues, repairs incisions and lacerations, cuts and cauterizes tissues, stabilizes drains, applies wound dressings, etc.as needed and as directed for wide variety of surgical cases. Performs complex surgical techniques as needed and as directed by physician and in accordance with Texas scope of practice for surgical scrub tech first assistants. Receives surgical specimens following specimen protocol and notifies circulating nurse of source material and delivers to appropriate location.
Contacts the pharmacy for RX with Registered Nurse or circulating nurse partnership.
Coordinates and partners with system vetting vendors on behalf of surgeon and department. Researches and coordinates quotes for capital purchase, new equipment and supplies with specialty coordinators. Requisitions supplies.
Keeps current regarding developments in surgical equipment, trends and techniques through attendance at in-service or other internal education programs. Acts as a resource and preceptor to those learning the scrub role. Helps the department through in-services, precepting and mentoring staff accordingly.
KEY SUCCESS FACTORS
Must have good communication skills.
Must have excellent knowledge of operating room protocol.
Must be able to work effectively with all hospital departments.
Must have excellent knowledge of patient protocols within a clinic setting.
Must be able to work well with all members of the office staff.
Must be able to assist the physician in all aspects of the practice including assisting in surgery.
BENEFITS
Our competitive benefits package includes the following
Immediate eligibility for health and welfare benefits
401(k) savings plan with dollar-for-dollar match up to 5%
Tuition Reimbursement
PTO accrual beginning Day 1
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION - Grad of an Accredited Program
EXPERIENCE - 4 Years of Experience
CERTIFICATION/LICENSE/REGISTRATION
Basic Life Support (BLS): BLS or BLS within 30 days of hire or transfer.
Cert Surgical First Asst (CSFA), Cert Surgical Technologist (CST): Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) or CSFA (Certified Surgical First Assistant) required from NBSTA or NCCT.


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About Netpace

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Netpace is a reputable company in the Information Technology and Services industry, headquartered in San Ramon, California, in the United States. The company specializes in providing digital transformation solutions by leveraging cutting-edge technologies. It offers a wide array of services, including Software Development, IT Consulting, Cloud Services, Infrastructure Management, and Digital Marketing. Ever since its launch, Netpace has been driven by a mission to use technology as a medium to shape future businesses and make a significant impact.

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

San Ramon, CA, US

Year founded

1996